“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV
Repentance is about changing our hearts, minds, and actions and not just confessing sins. In Micah 6:8, God calls us to justice, mercy, and humility. Yet, in many spaces, including our families, schools, workplaces, and even churches; ableism (discrimination or bias against disabled and special needs individuals) exists.
Many of us unknowingly hold ableist views, assuming that certain abilities define worth or that those who function differently are “less capable.” But Jesus modeled radical inclusion, showing compassion, respect, and dignity to those society overlooked.
Ableism is often subtle. It’s seen when:
- A church doesn’t offer accommodations for neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, etc.), disabled or special need members.
- A workplace assumes neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, etc.) employees aren’t as capable of leadership roles.
- Parents push their children to “fit in” instead of embracing their unique strengths.
As a special needs mom, pharmacist, educator and coach, I’ve witnessed how exclusion affects families. Parents struggle when society refuses to accept, accommodate, or celebrate their children. Repentance calls us to acknowledge these issues and commit to doing better.
Some of us believe that success means meeting neurotypical standards. When I witnessed my child’s brilliance as well as that of other children with a special need diagnosis, it drove home the point that it wasn’t in “fitting in” but in being fully themselves. Then, I stopped pushing conformity and started embracing my child’s strengths, and everything changed.
How can we do better?
- Examine Your Biases – Reflect on any ableist language or assumptions you may have.
- Speak Up – Challenge ableism in your church, workplace, and community.
- Educate Yourself – Read about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, disability and special needs advocacy.
Let’s repent and do better. Comment below: What’s one way you can challenge ableism in your daily life?
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